SIFL names league staff
Published on November 18, 2008 under Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL) News Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. (November 18, 2008) - Southern Indoor Football League President Thom Hager announced the appointment of four experienced indoor football executives to launch the operations of the start-up football league today at a media event O'Charley's Restaurant here in Lake Charles, La.
Dan J. Blum will serve as Commissioner for the league, Scott Blanchard as Director of Creative Services, Dan Ryan as Director of Communications and Robert Winfrey Director of Operations.
All four will operate out of virtual offices to reduce expenditures while providing invaluable professional experience needed to successfully launch a professional football league, Hager said.
``In order to birth a successful league, we looked for experience, not a lot of hype and ego. We looked for those dedicated to this great sport, not those who are only interested in building their resumes. I'm thrilled to have these four talented and dedicated professionals on board,'' Hager continued. ``All four have proven track records."
Blum, who served as commissioner for the Intense Football League in 2008, brings 44 years of experience in football officiating to the SIFL.
``Dan has ties at every level of football from college to the NFL", said Hager. ``He's extremely well respected in the football community nationwide.''
Blanchard formerly served as the Louisiana Swashbucklers' General Manager in 2006 and has an extensive background in collegiate sports.
Ryan brings over 20 years of communications experience to the SIFL, having served as the Director of Communications for the defunct World Indoor Football League and on the team level with three different teams in three different leagues. His bylines have appeared in the sports sections of the Dallas Morning, the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Orlando Sentinel and USA Today. He has also done game-day production work for NBC and ESPN.
``Indoor football is a sport that goes around in circles. Fortunately, I'm from Daytona Beach where you learn to make a living off other people doing that,' Ryan said. ``I'm thankful that the SIFL has given me another chance to work my communications model and at the same time, be close to my family.''
Winfrey handled both operations and communications for the Intense Football League in 2008 after being involved with various teams' game-day operations the five previous years.
``It feels good to be involved with a quality organization that treats everyone fairly and with respect,'' Winfrey. ``I'm looking forward to continuing my professional working relations with many of the coaches and staffs.''
Fans may visit the SIFL temporary web site at www.southernifl.com for more information or contact the SIFL at (866) 948-SIFL (7435) or e-mail the Director of Communications at dryan@southernifl.com.
Southern Indoor Football League Stories from November 18, 2008
- SIFL names league staff - SIFL
- SIFL announces first franchises - SIFL
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